The news of a celebrity wedding always comes with the promise of a spectacle like you have never seen before, and this year was no different. From the ever extensive pre-wedding party locations of the Ambanis to the serene beaches of Goa, lets take a look at the most popular destinations for celebrity weddings of the past year.
The Ambanis' Multi-City Extravaganza
With names like Rihanna, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg headlining the guestlist, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar, Gujarat was justifiably larger-than-life. For the wedding of her second son, Nita Ambani’s vision was to champion the finest that the world of Indian artistry had to offer. The philanthropist roped in her go-to couturier Manish Malhotra to lend his sartorial acumen to the decor for the pre-wedding celebration. His presence in the decor vision could be visible in the Malhotra-isms all over the venue—think larger-than-life fountains and glass ceilings cascading with fresh florals. Each day had a special theme, ranging from Jungle Fever to Mela Rouge. The festivities in Jamnagar were followed by a four day cruise extravaganza in Italy at the end of May.
The couple finally tied the knot at the Jio World Convention Centre, an expansive and extravagant venue located in the heart of Mumbai. The wedding decor was a resplendent ode to the city of Varanasi, displaying the finest of its culture, art, and cuisine.
Text by Hasina Khatib; Edited by Khushi Sheth.
Aditi Rao Hydari's Private Ceremony In Wanaparthy
Amid the whirlwind of destination celebrity weddings this year were actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth. They recently tied the knot in an elegant private wedding ceremony at the historic 400-year-old Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple, located in Srirangapur, in the Wanaparthy district of Telangana. Famous for its layered history, the temple has been a popular destination for both devotees as well as tourists from neighbouring states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Its cultural significance has made it a sought-after spot for weddings, and Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth are amongst the (roughly) 300 couples tying the knot there each year, according to the temple’s website.
The Heeramandi actress, originally from the princely state of Hyderabad, revealed in an interview with Vogue India that the temple holds deep personal significance for her family, making it a truly meaningful venue for their wedding, beyond just aesthetics. The wedding venue, The Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple, was built in the 18th century A.D., and is a classic example of Vijayanagar architecture. According to Indian legend, Krishnadevaraya, the ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire, visited the famous Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu and was inspired to build a similar temple in his own kingdom.
Text by AD Staff; Edited by Khushi Sheth.
Rakul Preet Singh's Eco-Friendly Goa Wedding
Actors Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani got married early this year at the ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa. The ceremony was attended by celebrities like Shilpa Shetty, Varun Dhawan, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and more. This celebrity wedding was decidedly eco-conscious, with the couple sending out electronic invites, and even conducting thorough carbon audit and tree plantation drive in collaboration with the ‘Grow Billion Trees’ organisation.
The luxurious ITC Grand Goa was built in the Indo-Portuguese style of architecture. It stands as a seamless blend of vintage and classical elegance with a strong and distinctive regional influence. Located on the serene Arrosim Beach, almost each room of this resort looks out onto lush gardens or peaceful water bodies such as lagoons, and of course, the sea. Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani's wedding took place on the seaside lawns of the property, with a picture-perfect sunset serving as the backdrop to their union.
Taapsee Pannu's Intimate Ceremony In Udaipur
Taapsee Pannu's marriage to her long-time partner Mathais Boe was an intimate affair that took place at Mementos by ITC Hotels in Ekaaya Udaipur in March of this year. Close industry friends like Anurag Kashyap, Kanika Dhillon, and Pavail Gulati were also present at the wedding. Taapsee Pannu has a strong desire to maintain a firm line between her personal and professional life, and believes that the intermingling the two is not beneficial to anyone.
Her wedding venue is a reflection of the same values. Mementos by ITC Hotels is a peaceful mountain escape tucked into the Aravali Hills of Udaipur. With over 100 suites and villas dotted along the hillside, the hotel offers privacy and stunning views of the surrounding hills. The ceremony took place on the sun-soaked and expansive green lawns of the resort.
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